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- What: WBO & WBA Interim World Heavyweight Titles
- Who: Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley
- Where: Greenwich, London, England
- When: Saturday, October 18 at 5:00 p.m. ET
Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley are set to engage in an enticing heavyweight showdown. Parker was recently Oleksandr Usyk’s mandatory challenger.
Still, the undisputed heavyweight champion is nursing an injury, meaning Parker has to defend his position as the next in line to face the Ukrainian.
The Kiwi holds the WBO interim heavyweight title and knocked out Martin Bakole in the second round of his previous outing in February. Parker is riding a six-fight winning streak with wins against Bakole, Zhilei Zhang, and Deontay Wilder.
Before we examine the odds, find everything you need to know to bet on boxing online and check out the best 2025 Boxing Betting Sites.
Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley
| Winner |  |  |  |
| Fabio Wardley | +284 | +300 | +290 |
| Joseph Parker | -400 | -400 | -435 |
Joseph Parker enters this clash as one of the heavyweight division’s hottest properties. The former WBO world champion’s career has spanned over a decade, marked by resilience and continuous improvement.
Career Highlights:
- Former WBO heavyweight champion
- First fighter to take Anthony Joshua the full 12 rounds
- Currently on a six-fight winning streak since his knockout loss to Joe Joyce in September 2022
- Recent victories include impressive wins over Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder, and a stunning two-round demolition of Martin Bakole in February 2025
With a record of 36-3, Parker has proven he belongs in the elite tier of the heavyweight division. His recent form has been nothing short of exceptional, combining technical boxing skills with improved knockout power.
Joseph Parker should be loved by every boxing fan. He’s a true throwback—no tune-ups, no ducking, just real fights.
Calling for Moses Itauma after Fabio Wardley? That’s old-school mentality in a modern era.
Especially when he has been deserving of a world championship shot. pic.twitter.com/QGokEUoEWC
— Zach “🅂🄲🄷🅄🅉” Schumaker (@ZachSchumaker) October 10, 2025
Fabio Wardley: The Dangerous Underdog
The former British and Commonwealth champion brings explosive power and momentum into this bout. Wardley has built an impressive 19-1 record, with 18 of those victories coming by knockout.
Recent Form:
- Avenged his only career loss with a brutal first-round KO of Frazer Clarke in October 2024
- Became WBA interim champion with a dramatic tenth-round knockout of Justis Huni, turning around a fight he appeared to be losing on the cards
- Known for his dangerous finishing ability and never-say-die attitude
Expert Predictions
Tony Bellew’s Take
Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew acknowledged Wardley’s threat but favors Parker:
“There’s not a fighter more deserving [of a world title] in the world than Joseph Parker… That’s not a gimme. Fabio is highly dangerous, it’s one to watch, great fight. I think Parker overcomes him, but Fabio is always in the fight.”
Guido Vianello’s Assessment
Italian heavyweight contender Guido Vianello, who has trained with Parker and sparred with Wardley, firmly backs the New Zealander:
“I love Joseph. I think that he’s stronger, he’s faster [than Wardley]. Parker right now is in the top three. Usyk, Moses [Itauma], and Parker.”
What’s At Stake?
The winner of this bout positions themselves for a mandatory world title shot against unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Parker was originally scheduled to face Usyk but agreed to stay active after the Ukrainian champion received an injury extension.
Boxing Analysis
Parker enters as the heavy favorite, and rightfully so. His experience at the highest level, combined with his current hot streak, makes him the clear frontrunner. However, Wardley’s knockout power means he’s always one punch away from changing the narrative.
The contrast in styles should make for compelling viewing: Parker’s refined technical ability and championship experience versus Wardley’s raw power and never-quit mentality.
19 wins & 18 KO's for @FabioWardley 😤
Another at @TheO2 next weekend? 🥶
🎟️ Buy #ParkerWardley NOW on https://t.co/FoiaUucafv | Oct 25 | Live Exclusively on DAZN | Link in Bio For More pic.twitter.com/FX3zV9MDDx
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 16, 2025
While Wardley has shown he can pull off late stoppages when behind on the cards, Parker’s defensive improvements and ring IQ should allow him to control the fight.
This promises to be a fascinating heavyweight clash that could reshape the division’s title picture heading into 2026. It’s difficult to pick against Parker in this one, he will win this one by decision.
Total Rounds
| Rounds | | | |
| Over 9.5 | -115 | -120 | -125 |
| Under 9.5 | -115 | -110 | -105 |
A compelling betting angle is whether the fight will go past 9.5 rounds. Wardley’s 18 stoppages in 19 wins show his finishing power, but his bout with Huni showed that skilled opponents can outbox him over longer stretches.
Parker’s recent form adds another dimension to this discussion: he demonstrated devastating power with his two-round destruction of Martin Bakole and the ability to go the complete 12 rounds against elite opposition.
His points victories over Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder showcased his technical superiority and conditioning.
🗣️ @FabioWardley and @joeboxerparker describe each other in 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 words 👀
🎟️ Buy #ParkerWardley NOW on https://t.co/FoiaUucafv | Oct 25 | Live Exclusively on DAZN | Link in Bio For More pic.twitter.com/pZgIsLGGiR
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 16, 2025
Over 9.5 rounds appears particularly attractive given Parker’s stated strategy of patience and picking his moments.
If the former world champion executes his game plan effectively—staying disciplined, avoiding unnecessary exchanges, and utilizing his superior boxing IQ—this match could well advance to the championship rounds.
Parker’s defensive improvements and ring generalship suggest he’s unlikely to make the same tactical error Huni made by abandoning a winning formula.
However, Wardley’s punching power means the threat of a dramatic finish looms over every round.
The British fighter has proven that he only needs one clean shot to change a boxing match’s trajectory, regardless of what has happened.
This makes the distance between a genuine pick’em proposition that reflects the fascinating stylistic clash between Parker’s technical mastery and Wardley’s knockout ability.
I’m betting on Parker’s technical mastery to help this fight go the distance.
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